Chris

Ellis

Ellis is just a reserve, but the Bills’ defense is really banged up heading into this one. Three of their four starters in the secondary are out, setting up a favorable matchup for new Dolphins starter Chad Henne.

For now, Ellis will probably be used as a situational pass rusher. Defensive end is a deep position for Buffalo, but Ellis should eventually threaten to start. The former Virginia Tech player is also solid against the run.

Ellis is a reserve. Kelsay (6'4/261) is coming off his best season as a pro, but he’s at least 20 pounds too light to play end. If Aaron Schobel decides to return, Kelsay may have to hold off 2009 first-rounder Aaron Maybin for a starting job. Maybin is better suited to the new scheme.

The third-round product from Virginia Tech had a chance to step up because of injuries in Buffalo, but barely produced. He had seven tackles in seven games this season. Buffalo activated Canadian born defensive end Corey Mace from the practice squad to take Ellis’ spot on the 53-man roster.

Ellis was a third-round pick in 2008 that struggled to be active during his time in Buffalo. He’s a better fit as a 4-3 defensive end than a 3-4 outside linebacker anyway.

Torbor sustained the injury in Thursday’s preseason game, but the Bills aren’t disclosing details just yet. The veteran had been running ahead of Aaron Maybin as the starting weak outside linebacker. Chris Ellis will fill in on early downs with Maybin playing a nickel role.

Both veterans belong on fantasy benches with C.J. Spiller handling starting duties. Bills’ inactives: OLB Reggie Torbor, LB Antonio Coleman, LB Akin Ayodele, OG Kraig Urbik, OT Ed Wang, DE Alex Carrington, DE John McCargo, and QB Brian Brohm. Chis Ellis is expected to fill in for Torbor opposite Chris Kelsay, though Aaron Maybin will take over in pass rushing situations.

Ellis, the Bills’ 2008 third-round pick, has appeared in just 15 games during his three-year career. He may want to find a home as a 4-3 end instead of trying to fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker.